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You value a clean and orderly home, but finding the time and energy to keep it that way is a different story. So if dusting and vacuuming aren’t getting checked off your cleaning to-do list or you can’t remember which spring you last did spring cleaning, then it’s time to hire a cleaning service for your home.
Services Performed by Local Professional Cleaning Services
Whether you want regular tidying up, a seasonal deep clean, or a one-time sprucing up in preparation for a special event or gathering at your home, you can hire professional cleaners for a variety of services.
Regular Cleaning
A regular cleaning schedule includes either weekly or biweekly visits from a housekeeper. Duties typically include dusting and wiping down of surfaces, vacuuming carpets, sweeping and mopping floors and removing trash.
Seasonal Cleaning
Spring cleaning gets all the glory, but a deep clean at the start of each season is a good idea for maintaining a beautiful home. You can hire a house cleaner to do the work for you four times a year.
Special Event Cleaning
If you need your place looking spick-and-span for special guests, you can hire a cleaning professional for a one-time session.
Move In/Move Out Cleaning
Whether you’re a former tenant who wants to keep your security deposit or a seller who needs to leave the home “broom clean” per the sales contract, you can book a pro to clean the place from top to bottom. The same goes for moving into a new space; you can hire professional cleaners to sweep and scrub so that all you have to do is worry about unpacking and settling in.
How to Find a House Cleaner Near You
Many house cleaners work on referral, so ask friends or family members to make recommendations. You can also do a search for local cleaners online and read reviews to see who might be a fit for you.
Like with other contractors, do some research and gather several quotes. Not all house cleaners charge the same or provide the same services. For example, one house cleaner might wash windows while another will not.
When to Hire a Professional Cleaning Service
You can hire a cleaning service any time you want your home or office cleaned. The frequency depends on your schedule and your budget.
When hiring a professional cleaner, ask about the different rates for the number of visits. You might think that having a cleaning service come to your home only a few times a year is cheaper than biweekly service, but there is likely a discounted rate for repeat visits. After all, it’s easier and quicker to freshen up a home when it’s cleaned more regularly.
DIY vs. Hiring a House Cleaner
House cleaning is certainly a task that you can tackle on your own. However, if you have a hectic work schedule, a calendar full of family obligations, or if you simply hate mopping and dusting, you might want to hire a house cleaner to do the job for you.
Questions to Ask a House Cleaner
It’s smart to conduct a short interview when hiring a cleaner to learn about their skills and experience. Here are some questions you can ask them:
- Do you have references? While some cleaners might be just starting out in the industry, an experienced professional should have no problem providing references from former or current clients.
- Do you provide the cleaning supplies? Some cleaners will provide basic supplies, while others ask that you provide everything. If you have allergies or any other concerns about the use of chemical cleaners, discuss it with your cleaning professional.
- What are the basic services that you provide? Basic services will typically include sweeping, dusting, mopping, and other general cleaning duties for all rooms in your home.
- Are you insured? You’ll want to ask this particularly if you’ve got delicate antiques, expensive equipment or any other belongings that will be costly to replace in case of accidental damage while cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a good rate for a house cleaner?
An individual house cleaner will cost anywhere between $12 and $25 per hour, according to HomeAdvisor. A cleaning company can charge between $25 and $80.
What does a deep cleaning involve?
A deep clean of your home is a much more thorough endeavor that involves sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces. While a regular cleaning involves dusting and the general wiping down of furniture, counters and floors, a deep cleaning will include the scrubbing of tile grout, vacuuming under furniture, cleaning inside cabinets and other tasks that might be relegated to only once or twice a year during spring or fall cleaning.
What is the difference between a housekeeper and a cleaner?
Housekeeping services include light cleaning and more of the day-to-day maintenance of a house, including laundry and washing dishes. While a cleaner might also do this, they mainly focus on deeper cleans.
Should I tip a house cleaner?
If you hire a team from a company, a gratuity is typically not expected. However, if you hire an individual cleaner, you can tip them between 10 and 20%.
